Pilot randomized controlled trials in the orthopaedic surgery literature: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The primary objective of this systematic review is to examine the characteristics of pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the orthopaedic surgery literature, including the proportion framed as feasibility trials and those that lead to definitive RCTs. This review aim to answer the question of whether pilot RCTs lead to definitive RCTs, whilst investigating the quality, feasibility and overall publication trends of orthopaedic pilot trials.

Methods

Pilot RCTs in the orthopaedic literature were identified from three electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Pubmed) searched from database inception to January 2018. Search criteria included the evaluation of at least one orthopaedic surgical intervention, research on humans, and publication in English. Two re

SUBMITTER: Desai B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6260657 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature